Clifford VanNatta

Clifford George Van Natta, age 88, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2017, at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City, WI.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 27, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Platteville.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville, where military rites will be accorded by VFW Post #5274 and American Legion Post #42.  Friends may call from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2017 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, or from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church.  Memorials may be made to the Clifford G. VanNatta Memorial Fund.  Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Cliff was born on May 2, 1928, in Platteville, WI, the son of William and Ethel Doelz Van Natta.  He graduated from Platteville High School in 1946, and married Marion Linden, his high school sweetheart, on June 22, 1950.

Cliff is survived by his brother, Glen of Lancaster, WI, son, Robert (Marcia) Van Natta of Westfield, WI, daughter, Catherine (John) Jones of Jasper, IN, and daughter-in-law, Heather Van Natta of Madison, WI; five grandchildren, Jessi (Cody) Ebben of Minnetonka, MN, Amy (Justin) Weishaar of Westfield, WI and Carolyn, Emily and Zachary Jones of Jasper, IN; sister-in-law Elaine Linden Pokrandt of Oshkosh, WI; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Marion, on July 11, 2009, and his son, David, on December 11, 2011; also brothers Maynard, Leonard, Donald and sisters Lela, Fern, Marion, and Alice.

Cliff served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954, stationed in Germany. While there, he played on the Army's Red Legs football team and met lifelong friends, Earl Plank and Ged Marchertas. Cliff initially worked as a plumber with the family business, Van Natta Plumbing and Heating, in Platteville. In 1962, he joined the staff at UW-Platteville in plumbing and later became the Maintenance and Craftsman Manager until his retirement in 1989. Cliff was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Platteville where he volunteered tirelessly serving on church committees and maintaining the church and school buildings. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and was a Fourth Degree Grand Knight. He belonged to American Legion Post 42. Cliff played fast pitch softball for several years and loved pitching horseshoes. He was a founding member of the Platteville Horseshoe Pitchers Association. He was an avid Pioneer, Badger, Packers, and Brewers fan. Cliff enjoyed working in his yard, doing household improvement projects, reading, and listening to music.

Cliff was blessed with wonderful, caring neighbors and friends over the years.  The family wishes to thank Sue Shafer who lovingly cared for him at home over the past four years, the staff at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City and Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care.  

Cliff is remembered as a wonderful, loving father and grandfather, a witty, charming gentleman, and a gracious, faithful man. His kindness, perseverance, and positive attitude set an example by which we all can live.